Arvid Thoreson

Arvid Ivan Thoreson, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and veteran, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota at the age of 93.

He was born on November 7, 1931, in Nunda, South Dakota, to Melvin and Eva (Alfson) Thoreson.

Arvid proudly served in the United States Air Force, a career that shaped much of his life. He joined at the age of 17. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Pederson, on June 20, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas, while stationed at the Air Force Base. Following their marriage, Arvid and Shirley moved to Riverside, California. In 1955, they relocated to Downey. During this time, Arvid was deployed overseas, including service in England, Scotland, and the Aleutian Islands during the Korean War. Upon his return, the family reunited and moved to Santa Maria, California. After active duty, Arvid continued working in the defense industry at Vandenberg Air Force Base, first as an airplane mechanic and later as a missile technician and launcher. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he had the notable experience of meeting President John F. Kennedy. In 1967, the Thoresons moved to Luverne, Minnesota. In 1973, they relocated to Brandon, South Dakota, and in 2008 returned to Luverne, where they remained.

Arvid used his technical skills to start an electric organ repair business. He loved traveling for work, sharing stories, and enjoying coffee and conversation with friends and family. He and Shirley enjoyed traveling, especially on their anniversary trips to Branson, Missouri.

Arvid spent his final year at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota.

Arvid is lovingly remembered by his children, Judy (Rod) Walgrave of Luverne, Jannis (Les) Heikes of Brandon, SD, Randy Thoreson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Greg Thoreson of Sioux Falls; and by his brother, Myron (Cindy) Thoreson of Lincoln, NE.

He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Tim (Amber) Walgrave, Mandy Skattum, Nicky (Matt) Skattum, Matt Heikes, Tom Heikes, Treasure Thoreson, Tara Thoreson, Tori Thoreson, Taylor Thoreson, Jack (Nick) Thoreson, and Derek (Veronica) Thoreson; 22 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents, Melvin and Eva; his brother, Ralph; grandsons, Andrew Heikes and Shannon Walgrave; daughters-in-law Patricia and Kathy Thoreson; grandson-in-law, Nate Skattum; great-grandson, Montana Ennenga; nephew, Daryl Thoreson; and brother-in-law, Chuck Quam.

Arvid lived a life of dedication—to his country, his family, and his craft. His legacy of strength, warmth, and service lives on in the many lives he touched.